Thousands of people visit the Permit Services Center each month. Many, arrive unprepared and are unable to successfully submit their permit applications.
If you're working on a residential home improvement project, we've prepared a few tips to help you save time when applying for a permit and avoid some commonly made mistakes.
1. Have All the Facts. Know the who, what & where of your project.
- Know what you are trying to get a permit for and the address of the building that you are going to perform the work on.
- Each Contractor should know the name of the building owner.
- The building owner should know the name of their design professional. All this information is needed to complete each permit application.
2. Know the Code. Understand how it affects your project.
- Go online to understand all the code requirements for the work you desire to perform with the necessary permit(s).
- The California building codes are available online.
- Glendale amendments can be found on the City’s web site.
3. Don't Forget Energy Standards.
- Energy standards regulate the installation of insulation, windows, electrical lighting and mechanical equipment. Make sure that you have shown compliance with these standards on your plans prior to arriving to the Permit Services Center.
4. Get Professional Plans Made. Seek professional help when preparing plans.
- If you are going to add floor area to your home, you will need to hire a design professional to prepare the plans.
- If you are intending to alter the location of any walls, structural or non-structural, you will need to have plans prepared by a professional.
- While we don't recommend it, you may also prepare the plans yourself if you are confident that you fully understand the codes and standards for the work you are proposing to do.
5. Bring the Correct Documents.
- Bring a completed permit application.
- Bring 2 copies of each set of completed plans for review and possible submittal to the Permit Services Center.
- 2 copies of plans are required for each trade permit application.
6. Save Time. Schedule Your Appointment Online.
- You may now schedule your next visit to the Permit Services Center using your smart phone, tablet or personal computer.
- Scheduling an appointment avoids you the hassle of having to wait in line.
- Online Appointment Scheduling
We hope these tips will help you successfully complete your permit application process in a quick and efficient manner. If you have any questions, please contact the Permit Services Center at (818) 548-3200.
